Telecommunications initiated data fulfillment system

ABSTRACT

A system for providing a wide range of telecommunications initiated data fulfillment services in which a multi-function code, such as “*#” (star, pound), input into an originating telecommunications device, such as a conventional land-line or wireless telephone, triggers the treatment of the input sequence as a multi-function code service request rather than a dialed directory number. The multi-function code is followed by an input data string to complete the multi-function code service request, which the user typically enters into the telecommunications device just like a conventional telephone call, except that the input string begins with the multi-function code. The telecommunications system recognizes the multi-function code as a trigger, and in response takes one or more actions, such as automatically terminating the call to an announcement and routing a data message to a data fulfillment center, which responds to the message by implementing a response action indicated by the multi-function code service request. For example, the data fulfillment center may respond by transmitting a message over a wireless data network or the Internet to implement a service, such as activation of a vending machine, remote control of device, delivery of a message over the Internet or wireless data network, initiation of an interactive Internet session with the originating device, or a wide range of other services. In addition, a charge for this service may be automatically charged to an account associated with the originating telecommunications device, which may be billed separately or incorporated on the user&#39;s conventional monthly telecommunications invoice.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICTIONS

This application claim priority to commonly owned U.S. ProvisionalPatent Applications 60/265,760 filed Feb. 1, 2001 and 60/242,511 filedOct. 23, 2000.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to a telecommunications initiated datafulfillment system in which a telecommunications input sequenceincluding a multi-function code sequence, such as a “star-pound” (i.e.,*#) sequence, initiates an automatic data fulfillment service. Thesystem can be used for a wide variety of applications including but notlimited to mobile vending, mobile data delivery, mobile Internet access,mobile WAP communications, on-demand delivery of promotionalinformation, and many others.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Due to the communications boom brought on by the popularization ofwireless communication devices and the Internet, there presently existsan increasing opportunity for telecommunications initiated servicesinvolving these increasingly prominent media. However, the configurationand operation of the existing telephone networks, wireless datanetworks, and the Internet inhibits the implementation of many newservices that would rely on the integrated operation of these systems.Therefore, there presently exists an opportunity for improving theintegration of the telecommunications system, the wireless data system,and the Internet to provide a wide range of new services that can beconveniently and cost effectively provided through these media.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention meets the needs described above in a system forproviding a wide range of telecommunications initiated data fulfillmentservices in which a multi-function code, such as “*#” (star, pound),input into an originating telecommunications device, such as aconventional land-line or wireless telephone, triggers the treatment ofthe input telephone sequence as a multi-function code service requestrather than a dialed directory number. The multi-function code isfollowed by an input data string to complete the multi-function codeservice request, which the user typically enters into thetelecommunications device just like a conventional telephone call,except that the input string begins with the multi-function code (e.g.,*#).

The telecommunications system recognizes the multi-function code as atrigger, and in response takes one or more actions in response to thetrigger, such as automatically terminating the call to an announcementand routing a data message to a data fulfillment center. This datamessage typically includes the multi-function code service request anddata string input by the customer along with identifying information forthe initiating telecommunications device, such as the directory numberassigned to the originating telecommunications device. The data messagemay include location information pertaining to the originatingtelecommunications device, such as information identifying theoriginating MTSO and cell tower. The message is typically transmitted tothe data fulfillment center using the telecommunications system'ssignaling system, such as the SS7 signaling system currently deployedfor most land-based telephone systems, or the X-25 signaling systemcurrently deployed for most mobile telephone systems in the UnitedStates and Canada. Analogous signaling systems are deployed intelecommunications systems worldwide.

The data fulfillment center responds to the message by implementing aresponse action indicated by the multi-function code service request.For example, the data fulfillment center may respond by transmitting amessage over a wireless data network or the Internet to implement aservice, such as activation of a vending machine, remote control ofdevice, delivery of a message over the Internet, delivery of a messageover a wireless data network, initiation of an interactive Internetsession with the originating device, or a wide range of other services.In addition, a charge for this service, if appropriate, may beautomatically charged to an account associated with the originatingtelecommunications device, which may be billed separately orincorporated on the user's conventional monthly telecommunicationsinvoice. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the range oftelecommunications initiated services that may be implemented in thismanner is virtually limitless, and many different services will becomeapparent once the fundamental principles of the invention areunderstood.

Generally described, the invention includes a method for implementing atelecommunications initiated data fulfillment service. Atelecommunications switch receives a communication from atelecommunication device comprising an input sequence including amulti-function key sequence. The telecommunications switch recognizesthe multifunction key sequence as a trigger code and identifies anidentification code associated with the telecommunication device, suchas the directory number, MIN or EIN assigned to the telecommunicationdevice. In response to the detected trigger event, thetelecommunications switch looks up a pre-defined data address associatedwith the input sequence, the identification code, or a combination ofthe input sequence and the identification code. The telecommunicationsswitch then assembles a data message associated with the input sequence,the identification code, or a combination of these items, and transmitsthe data message to the data address, which is also associated with adata fulfillment platform. The data fulfillment platform associated withthe data address then implements an appropriate response action inresponse to the data message.

Typically, the data message includes at least the input sequence and theidentification code associated with telecommunication device, and mayalso include location information associated with the originatingtelecommunications device, such as information identifying the MTOS andcell tower where the multi-function code service request was initiallyreceived. In addition, the data address to which the message is sent istypically associated with a data fulfillment center or Internet serviceprovider operated by a provider of the telecommunications initiated datafulfillment service. This enables the service provider to respond to themessage by implementing the appropriate telecommunications initiateddata fulfillment service, such as activating a vending machine andcharging an account associated with the originating telecommunicationsdevice for the delivered product, sending an e-mail to an addressassociated with the originating telecommunications device, remotelycontrolling a device, initiating an interactive Internet session withthe originating telecommunications device, or performing any othersuitable service.

In a mobile vending application, for example, the identification codemay be used to identify an account associated with thetelecommunications device, and the data fulfillment center may remotelyactivate the vending machine and charge a cost associated with the datamessage to the account associated with the telecommunications device. Inparticular, the data fulfillment center may identify a product code froma pre-defined set of digits in the input sequence; and may activate thevending device to deliver a product associated with the product code inresponse to the data message. To implement security, the datafulfillment center may also look up a pre-defined PIN associated withthe telecommunications device, identify a PIN-sequence from a predefinedset of digits in the input sequence, and compare the personalidentification number to the PIN-sequence.

In addition, the telecommunications switch typically delivers an audioor data response to the telecommunications device indicating that themulti-function code service request has been received. Thetelecommunications switch then discontinues the communication, whichfrees the originating telecommunications device to receive an incomingdata or telecommunications message associated with the requested datafulfillment service. For example, the telecommunications device mayreceive an incoming wireless data network communication, telephone call,or e-mail message as part of the data fulfillment service. In onealternative, the input sequence includes a directory number associatedwith an Internet site, and the data message initiates an Internetsession between the telecommunications device and the Internet site. Inthis alternative, the telecommunications switch may forward thecommunication to a platform operated by an Internet service provider,and an incoming the wireless data network communication may initiate aninteractive Internet session with the telecommunications device. Inaddition, the Internet service provider may automatically link thetelecommunications device to the Internet site associated with thedirectory number included in the input sequence at the onset of theInternet session.

The data fulfillment center may also receive location data associatedwith the telecommunications device, and customize an action taken inresponse to the data message based on the location information. Forexample, the location data may indicate the MTSO and cell tower thatinitially received the multi-function code service request from thetelecommunications device, and the data fulfillment center may customizeits response by sending a mobile vending activation message to a vendingmachine located in the coverage area of the identified cell tower. Thisfeature advantageously allows reuse of the vending codes in multiplelocations served by different cell towers.

The data fulfillment center may also look up customer profile datacorresponding to the identification code associated with thetelecommunications device, and implement a response in accordance withthis profile. For example, the customer profile may implement spendinglimits, location use limits, alternative addresses for routingresponses, and so forth. Typically, the customer profile may be alteredby the user, for example through Internet access. For this reason, thepre-defined data address may be a user-defined portion of the customerprofile data. The data fulfillment center may also detect that thetelecommunications device does not correspond to a subscriber of thetelecommunications initiated data fulfillment service, and automaticallylink the telecommunications device to a platform configured to registerthe user of the telecommunications device as a subscriber of thetelecommunications initiated data fulfillment service.

The telecommunications device may retrieve the pre-defined data address,typically the address for the data fulfillment center or an Internetservice provider, from a home location register associated with a mobiletelecommunication system. In addition, the data message is typicallydelivered to the data address through a signaling system message, suchas an SS7 or X-25 message. In addition, the identification codeassociated with the telecommunications device may be extracted from acall detail record created by a telecommunications switch receiving thecommunication. The pre-defined data address may be retrieved from aproprietary database maintained by a provider of the telecommunicationsinitiated data fulfillment service.

In addition, the data fulfillment center may respond to the data messageby transmitting a control signal to operate a remote device. Forexample, the response action may open a car lock or garage door,activate or deactivate a security system, program a remote device, orperform a wide range of other remote control operations. In anotheralternative, the input sequence may include a displayed item codeassociated with a product or service offered for sale. In this case, thedata fulfillment center may respond to the data message by: looking upan e-mail address associated with the telecommunications device, andtransmitting an electronic message including promotional informationconcerning the product or service offered for sale to the addressassociated with the telecommunications device.

In this specification, certain actions are described as being performedby a telecommunications switch and others are described as beingperformed by a data fulfillment platform. However, those skilled in theart will appreciate that these devices could be combined into a singledevice or system of devices, and the invention defined by the method andsteps described herein is not limited to performance by any particulardevices. For example, some or all of the steps described as performed bythe switch may be performed by the data fulfillment platform, and viceversa. In addition, a third device may be deployed to implement certainsteps. These types of variations are within the scope of the presentinvention.

In addition, the originating telecommunications device is shown incertain figures and described as being a wireless or land-line telephonedevice. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that theoriginating telecommunications device may be any type of device, knownat present or developed in the future, capable of initiatingtelecommunications. In particular, wireless telephones, land-linetelephones, desktop computers, portable computers, personal digitalassistants, pagers, and so forth are within the scope of the term“telecommunications device” as used in this specification. Further, themethods and systems described herein are not limited to any particulartype of telecommunication initiation, such as dialing or keypad input.Rather, the methods and systems described in this specification may workwith any type of telecommunication initiation, known at present ordeveloped in the future, such as voice recognition, auto dialing,e-mail, message relay, and the like.

In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the presentinvention greatly improves the integration of the telecommunicationssystem, the wireless data system, and the Internet to provide a widerange of new services that can be conveniently and cost effectivelyprovided through these media. The specific techniques and structuresemployed by the invention as improvements over the drawbacks of thepresent telecommunications infrastructure and accomplish the advantagesdescribed above will become apparent from the following detaileddescription of the embodiments of the invention and the appendeddrawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional diagram of a mobile vending service implementedby a telecommunications initiated data fulfillment system.

FIG. 2 is a functional diagram of a mobile web access serviceimplemented by a telecommunications initiated data fulfillment system.

FIG. 3 is a functional diagram of a mobile remote control serviceimplemented by a telecommunications initiated data fulfillment system.

FIG. 4 is a functional diagram of a streamlined Internet access serviceimplemented by a telecommunications initiated data fulfillment system.

FIG. 5 is an instruction set diagram illustrating advanced intelligentnetwork (AIN) and call detail record (CDR) alternative implementationmethodologies for implementing a telecommunications initiated datafulfillment system.

FIG. 6 is a functional diagram of a telecommunications initiated datafulfillment system illustrating features of a data fulfillment database.

FIG. 7 is a functional diagram of a telecommunications initiated datafulfillment system illustrating features of implemented by an SCP orHLS.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be embodied in a telecommunications initiateddata fulfillment system that typically involves a number oftelecommunications switches and one or more data fulfillment platforms.The telecommunications switches are configured to recognize amulti-function code, such as “*#” (star, pound), as a trigger event. Inresponse to a detected trigger event, the receiving telecommunicationsswitch typically holds the call and looks up an instruction setassociated with the trigger, and implements that instruction set. Themulti-function code may include the “star, pound” initiation codefollowed by an instruction index indicating an instruction set to beimplemented. For example, *#1 may indicate a mobile vending instructionset, *#2 may indicate a mobile data delivery instruction set, *#3 mayindicate an Internet access instruction set, *#4 may indicate a remotecontrol instruction set, and so forth.

The instruction set for different services may vary, but typicallyincludes instructions or directions to the telecommunications switch toroute the call to an announcement, assemble a data message of predefinedstructure, and transmit the data message to an address associated with adata fulfillment platform. For example, the announcement may state,“Your mobile vending request has been received and will be acted onimmediately. Thank you.” The data message typically includes theidentifying information for the originating telecommunications device,such as the directory number assigned to that device, and themulti-function code service request, which is the input string enteredinto the telecommunications device to initiate the service. The datamessage may also include location data pertaining to the originatingtelecommunications device, such as information identifying the MTSO andcell tower that initially received the communication from thetelecommunications device. The data message is typically delivered tothe data fulfillment platform using the conventional signaling system,such as the SS7 signaling system used for most land-line systems, or theX-25 signaling system used for most mobile systems in the United Statesand Canada.

The data fulfillment platform typically looks up a customer profileassociated with the identifying information for the originatingtelecommunications device, which may be programmed by the customer usingan Internet interface or other suitable access method. The customerprofile specifies the customer's desired delivery terms, such as anaccount to charge for vending services, an e-mail address for deliveringdata messages, addresses for devices to be remotely controlled, and soforth. The customer profile may also include service-limiting terms,such as spending limits, security procedures, geographical use limits,and the like. In addition, the data fulfillment platform may look upinformation for responding to the data request based on the inputsequence. For example, in an Internet access service, the input sequencemay correspond to a desired Internet address, and the data fulfillmentmay initiate an Internet session between the originatingtelecommunications device and a machine associated with the desiredInternet address. In particular, the directory number assigned to aperson's wireless telephone may be associated with that same person'sInternet address, so that the input of an appropriate multi-functioncode followed by the directory number assigned to a person's wirelesstelephone may automatically cause an Internet session to be initiatedbetween the originating telecommunications device and the machineassociated with the desired Internet address.

Thus, in one embodiment, the telecommunications system recognizes themulti-function code as a trigger, and in response automaticallyterminates the call to an announcement and routes a message to a datafulfillment center. This message typically includes the multi-functioncode service request input by the customer along with identifyinginformation for the initiating telecommunications device (e.g.,originating directory number, MIN, EIN or another suitable identifier),and may include additional information, such as location information(e.g., information identifying the originating MTSO and cell tower)pertaining to the originating telecommunications device. The message istypically transmitted to the data fulfillment center using thetelecommunications system's signaling system, such as the advancedintelligent network (AIN), the SS7 signaling system currently deployedfor most land-based telecommunications systems, or the X-25 signalingsystem currently deployed for most mobile telecommunications systems.

The data fulfillment center responds to the message by implementing aservice connoted by the multi-function code service request. Forexample, the data fulfillment center may respond by transmitting amessage over a wireless data network or the Internet to implement aservice, such as activation of a vending machine, remote control of adevice, delivery of a message over the Internet, delivery of a messageover a wireless data network, or initiation of an interactive Internetsession with the originating device. A charge for this service, ifappropriate, may be automatically charged to an account associated withthe originating telecommunications device, which may be billedseparately or incorporated on the user's conventional monthlytelecommunications invoice.

Although a virtually limitless number of service options may beinitiated and billed for, if desired, in this manner, severalparticularly strategic services are described in this specification toillustrate this technology. A first example is mobile vending, in whicha series of product codes may be displayed on a vending machine. To makea purchase, the customer enters the multi-function code, such as “*#”(star, pound), into his or her wireless telecommunications device,optionally followed by a service index (e.g., “1” to indicate mobilevending), followed by the displayed product code (e.g., a six digitnumeric code represented as “xxx yyy”) followed by his or her personalidentification number (PIN) (e.g., a four digit numeric code representedas “zzzz”). This thirteen digit data entry (e.g., *#1 xxx yyy zzzz)resembles a three digit multi function code (e.g., *#1) followed by aconventional ten digit directory number (xxx yyy zzzz). In response tothis multi-function code, the data fulfillment center transmits awireless data message to the vending machine to activate delivery of theindicated product, and charges an account associated with theoriginating telecommunications device for the purchase. Those skilled inthe art will appreciate that the process described above may be used toimplement a nationwide or worldwide cashless, secure and convenienttelecommunications initiated mobile vending system.

A second example of this technology is mobile data acquisition. Forexample, an advertiser may display an advertising code rather than avending code. A different service index may be used to distinguishmobile data acquisition from mobile vending (e.g., “*#2” indicatesmobile data acquisition, whereas “*#1” indicates mobile vending). Inaddition, if the user is not to be charged for this service, the user'sPIN may not be required as part of the multi-function code servicerequest. Thus, the advertising code may be up to a ten digit code, whichresults in up to a thirteen digit multi-function code service requestsimilar in format to that used for mobile vending. In response to themulti-function code service request, the data fulfillment centertypically sends an e-mail message to an e-mail address stored inassociation with the customer's originating directory number. Forexample, a restaurant may display an advertising code, and the datafulfillment center may respond to receipt of a multi-function codeservice request containing the restaurant's advertising code bye-mailing the restaurant's menu to an e-mail address associated with thedirectory number assigned to the originating telecommunications device.

The system described above may be used to deliver virtually any type ofdata associated with a displayed advertising code, such as productinformation, driving directions, coupons, financial prospectus,inventory listing, safety guidelines, repair instructions, schematicdiagram, event ticketing or access credentials, photograph, weatherforecast, music file, and the like. The proprietor simply displays inany appropriate media a message to the effect of, “To obtain moreinformation dial *#2 xxx yyy zzzz.” Of course, the multi-function codeservice request may be altered to provide PIN security andtransaction-based billing for the delivered data if desired. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the process described above maybe used to implement a nationwide or worldwide telecommunicationsinitiated data delivery system to aid in billboard, print media,broadcast and other types of advertising and sale of information.

Additional applications of this technology, and specific implementationdetails, are described below with reference to the appended figures.Turning now to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to likeelements throughout the several figures, FIG. 1 is a functional diagramof a mobile vending service implemented by a telecommunicationsinitiated data fulfillment system 10. In this type of system, theproducts to be sold are typically located within a vending machine 12that includes data receiving device 14, such as a paging unit, shortmessaging system (SMS), wireless data, or other suitable wireless datareceiving device. Although a wireless data receiving device should bepreferred for most applications, the data receiving device 14 mayalternatively be a land-line device, such as a telephone device,Internet connection, e-mail receiving device, or any other suitable datareceiving device. The only requirement for the data receiving device 14is that is be operational for receiving control commands from a remotelocation for operating the vending machine 12. The vending machine maybe operable to sell a wide variety of products, such as food, drinks,tokens for operating other machines, cameras, movie tickets, clothing,gasoline and so forth.

The vending machine 12 also includes a controller 16, a product deliveryapparatus 18 and a product code display 20. The controller 16 isoperationally interfaced with the wireless data device 14 and theproduct delivery apparatus 18, which allows the product deliveryapparatus 18 to be operated in response to control commands from aremote location by the data receiving device 14. Typically, the productcode display 20 includes a different displayed product code for eachtype of product that may be sold through the vending machine 12. In thisparticular example, the displayed product code is a six digit numericcode in the form “xxx yyy.” It will be appreciated, however, that themobile vending system 10 could utilize any other type of code that canbe entered into a telecommunications device.

To make a purchase from the vending machine 12, a customer of thetelecommunications initiated data fulfillment system 10 simply enters aneasily ascertained multi-function code service request into anoriginating telecommunications device, such as his or her mobiletelephone. For example, the multi-function code service request mayinclude a predefined multi-function code, such as *# (star, pound),which may optionally include an index connoting mobile vending (e.g.,index=1 for mobile vending), followed by the displayed product code forthe desired product, followed by the customer's personal identificationnumber (PIN), into his or her mobile telephone. Thus, the multi-functioncode service request in this instance may be “*#1 xxx yyy zzz” where“*#” is the predefined multi-function code, “1” is an index indicatingmobile vending, “xxx yyy” is the displayed product code for the desiredproduct, and “zzzz” is the customer's PIN number.

In response to receiving this multi-function code service request, themobile vending system 10 validates the customer's PIN, may applyconditions based on a customer profile and/or location data associatedwith the originating telecommunications device, and makes adetermination whether the requesting vending purchase is authorized. Ifthe vending purchase is authorized, the mobile vending system 10remotely activates the vending machine 12 to deliver the purchasedproduct, and charges an account associated with the originatingtelecommunications device for the cost of the purchase. This cost may beseparately billed, or it may be incorporated on the customer's monthlytelecommunications invoice.

More particularly, FIG. 1 illustrates the steps implemented to completethe mobile vending transaction described above. In step one, thecustomer enters the appropriate input string 22, namely themulti-function code service request described above, into his or hertelecommunications device 24. The input string 22 is received at atrigger-enabled telecommunications switch 26, such as an advancedintelligent network (AIN) enabled system switching point (SSP) or mobiletelephone switching office (MTSO). Although this will typically be thefirst telecommunications switch to receive the input string 22, it ispossible that a prior switching device, such as a non-trigger-enabledswitch, will initially receive and route the call to the trigger-enabledtelecommunications switch 26. This switch is configured to detect andrecognize the “*#” (star, pound) multi-function code as a trigger event.In response to detecting the star, pound trigger event, the switch 26holds the call and looks up an instruction set to implement. Typically,the switch 26 may be configured to look up and implement ten differentmulti-function code instruction sets, as indicated by an index includedin the first digit following the multi-function code. For example *#1may indicate a mobile vending instruction set. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate that AIN enabled SSP and MTSO devices are conventionallyequipped to recognize trigger events, to look up instruction sets, andto implement those instruction sets. In this manner, the mobile vendingsystem 10 anticipates the use of presently existing telecommunicationssystem features to implement this new service.

The mobile vending instruction set typically instructs the switch 26 toterminate the call to an appropriate announcement. For example, theannouncement may state, “Your mobile vending request has been receivedand will be acted on immediately. Thank you.” At the end of theannouncement, the call is discontinued, which frees the customer'stelecommunications device to engage in a subsequent communication. Themobile vending instruction set also instructs the switch 26 to look up adata address, assemble a data message 28, and send the data message tothe data address. For example, the data address may identify a datafulfillment platform 30 operated by the proprietor of the mobile vendingsystem 10. The data message typically includes the identifyinginformation for the originating telecommunications device 24, such asthe directory number assigned to that device, and the multi-functioncode service request, which is the input sequence 22 entered into thetelecommunications device to initiate the service.

In a mobile vending application, the data message should also includelocation data pertaining to the originating telecommunications device,such information identifying the MTSO and cell tower that initiallyreceived the communication from the telecommunications device. Thisallows the data fulfillment platform 30 to customize its response bysending a mobile vending activation message to the appropriate vendingmachine 12, which is located in the coverage area of the identified celltower. This feature advantageously allows reuse of the vending codes inmultiple locations served by different cell towers.

In step 2, the switch 26 delivers the data message 28 to the datafulfillment platform 30. The data message is typically delivered to thedata fulfillment platform using the conventional signaling system, suchas the SS7 signaling system used for most land-line systems, or the X-25signaling system used for most mobile systems in the United States andCanada. However, another type of data system could be used, such as theInternet, an intranet, or another suitable communications medium.

For example, the information needed to create the data message 28 may beobtained from a conventional call detail record (CDR) created by theswitch 26. It will be appreciated that virtually all telecommunicationsswitches create CDRs as part of their normal operations. These CDRsinclude the input sequence and the originating directory number for alltelecommunications calls originated by the switch, and for MTSO systemsinclude location information regarding the originating location of thecall, and therefore contain the information necessary to assemble thedata message 28. Accordingly, a proprietary device may read theinformation necessary to assemble the data message 28 from a completedCDR, and the proprietary device may, in turn, assemble the data message28. This may be advantageous to shift the processing burden associatedwith assembling the data message 28 from the switch 26 to theproprietary device. A completed CDR record may be read directly from theswitch 26, or from another device, such as a mediation device used tointegrate the switch 26 with a billing system computer in someapplications. In addition, to reduce latency in creation of the datamessage 28, it may also be advantageous to read the in-process CDRs asthey are created by the switch 26, so that the data message 28 may beassembled contemporaneously with the handling of the incoming call bythe switch. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a “sniffer”circuit or similar type of data tap may be installed on the switch 26 toread and pass on in-process CDR information to the proprietary device.

The data fulfillment platform 30 receives the data message 28, andreadily identifies the originating telecommunications device 24 from thedirectory number assigned to that device, which is included as part ofthe data message. The data fulfillment platform 30 also identifies theproduct code and the customer's PIN from the input sequence, which isalso part of the data message 28. The data fulfillment platform 30 alsoidentifies the location of the originating telecommunications device 24,which corresponds to the location of the vending machine 12, from thelocation data included in the data message 28. From the information, thedata fulfillment platform 30 processes the multi-function code servicerequest to complete the transaction.

More specifically, the data fulfillment platform 30 maintains a clientdata base 32 containing customer profile data indexed to the directorynumber assigned to each customer's telecommunications device. Of course,another data item may be used as the indexing parameter so long as theinformation contained in the data message 28 is sufficient to identifythe correct customer profile record in the client data base 32. Thiscustomer profile record typically includes the directory number assignedto the corresponding customer's telecommunications device (or otherindexing parameter), the customer's PIN, payment authority (e.g., creditaccount, debit account, wire transfer, or other payment authority), andmay include other customer profile data to implement security or othertypes of purchasing limits. For example, the customer profile data mayinclude spending limits, geographical use limits, and other suitableparameters for the data fulfillment platform 30 to use in determiningwhether to validate and execute a received multi-function code servicerequest. The customer may preferably access his or her customer profiledata to change the parameters, including the customer's PIN and othersecurity parameters, on an as-needed basis. Additional securitymeasures, such as encryption keys and other types of electronicidentification (e.g., storage and receipt of “mother's maiden name” andother techniques familiar to those skilled in the art), may beimplemented at the data fulfillment platform 30 to prevent unauthorizedaccess and alteration of customer profile data.

In step 3, the data fulfillment platform 30 validates the receivedmulti-function code service request, typically verifying that thecorrect PIN is included in the input sequence 22. The data fulfillmentplatform 30 also determines whether to execute the purchase based on thecustomer profile data, and by checking whether payment authority ispresently valid for the amount of the requested purchase. If the requestis valid and authorized, the data fulfillment platform 30 charges thecost of the purchase to the customer's account. In step 4, the datafulfillment platform 30 credits the vendor's account for the amount ofthe purchase, which is typically entered into a customer database 34maintained or contacted by the data fulfillment platform 30. That is,the data fulfillment platform 30 completes the financial portion of thetransaction by charging the customer's account, and crediting thevendor's account, for the amount of the purchase.

In step 5, the data fulfillment platform 30 implements the responseaction, namely, remote activation of the vending machine 12 to deliverthe purchased product to the customer. This is typically implemented bysending a wireless data message from the data fulfillment platform 30 tothe vending machine 12 over a wireless data network 36. Alternatively, apaging system, short messaging system associated with a mobile telephonesystem, or other type of wireless data message may be used. In addition,if the vending machine 12 has some type of land-line connection, aland-line telephone, Internet or similar type of message may be used toactivate the vending machine. The only requirement is that the datafulfillment platform 30 be capable of remotely activating the vendingmachine 12, either directly or indirectly, after it has verified themulti-function code service request and validated the paymentauthorization, and in connection with completing the financial portionof the transaction.

Although the mobile vending system 10 is described above in connectionwith a remotely operated vending machine 12, it should be appreciatedthat an analogous system could be used to implement a cashless vendingsystem without the use of physical vending machines. That is, thevending machine could be effectively replaced by a “cashless register”operated by a vendor, in which the activation message is replaced by apayment confirmation message. For example, a purchaser may enter aproduct code into his or her telecommunications device in a storeenvironment, and the data fulfillment platform 30 may send a paymentconfirmation message back to the vendor's telecommunications device,after the data fulfillment platform 30 has verified the multi-functioncode service request and validated the payment authorization, and inconnection with completing the financial portion of the transaction. Inthis manner, the vendor's telecommunications device acts as a “cashlessregister” in a cashless vending system.

In another alternative, the originating telecommunications device 24 mayserve as the receiving device for the response action to themulti-function code service request. Similarly, another machine, such asa home computer identified in the customer profile, could serve as thereceiving device. This alternative is particularly useful forimplementing a delivery system for electronic information, such as news,music, multimedia, literature, and so forth. In addition, if the datadelivery is free, the PIN code and financial steps are not necessary,which simplifies the data fulfillment process. In this type ofapplication, the customer may simply enter a multi-function code servicerequest including an advertising code, and automatically receive a datatransmission corresponding to the advertising code. The system describedabove may be used to deliver virtually any type of data associated witha displayed advertising code, such as product information, drivingdirections, coupons, financial prospectus, inventory listing, safetyguidelines, repair instructions, schematic diagram, event tickets andaccess credentials, photograph, weather forecast, music file, and thelike. In addition, the customer may specify the receiving device for theinformation in his or her customer profile maintained in the clientdatabase 32. For example, a first device may be identified for receivingmusic, another device may be identified for receiving literature, and athird device may be identified for receiving weather or drivinginstructions. Because the customer may alter his or her customer profile“on the fly” using his or her telecommunications device to access thedata fulfillment platform 30, the system described has a greatflexibility and may be used for many types of data fulfillment services.

FIG. 2 is a functional diagram of a mobile web access serviceimplemented by the telecommunications initiated data fulfillment system10. This system is similar to the system described above, except that adisplayed advertising code is associated with an Internet, mobilebrowser or WAP address, and as the response action, the data fulfillmentplatform 30 initiates an interactive Internet session between theoriginating telecommunications device 24 and the Internet, mobilebrowser or WAP site identified by the advertising code. In other words,the customer simply enters the appropriate multi-function code servicerequest into his or her wireless telecommunications device, the datafulfillment platform 30 responds by initiating an interactive Internetsession with the originating telecommunications device 24 and pushing aWAP, mobile browser or Internet page back to the originatingtelecommunications device 24 to initiate the session. It should be notedthat the multi-function code service request may be entered with theoriginating telecommunications device 24 in an analog “normal telephone”mode. That communication is terminated to an announcement and thendiscontinued to free the originating telecommunications device 24 toreceive the incoming Internet, mobile browser or WAP page, which willtypically be received in a digital or “Internet” mode. Thus, thisapplication may be implemented on most WAP, mobile browser or Internetenabled wireless telecommunications devices without having to alter thedevice to include a modem or to accommodate on-line mode switching.

More particularly, in step one, the customer enters the appropriateinput string 22, namely the multi-function code service requestdescribed previously, into his or her telecommunications device 24. Theinput string 22 is received at a trigger-enabled telecommunicationsswitch 26, such as an advanced intelligent network (AIN) enabled systemswitching point (SSP) or mobile telephone switching office (MTSO). Thisswitch is configured to detect and recognize the “*#” (star, pound)multi-function code as a trigger event. In response to detecting thestar, pound trigger event, the switch 26 holds the call and looks up aninstruction set to implement. For example *#2 may indicate a mobile webaccess instruction set.

The mobile web access instruction set typically instructs the switch 26to terminate the call to an appropriate announcement. For example, theannouncement may state, “Your mobile web access has been received andwill be acted on immediately. Please place your device in an Internetmode, if appropriate, and keep it idle for a few moments. Thank you.” Atthe end of the announcement, the call is discontinued, which frees thecustomer's telecommunications device to receive an incoming or “pushed”WAP, mobile browser or Internet page, and engage in an InteractiveInternet session. The mobile web access instruction set also instructsthe switch 26 to look up a data address, assemble a data message 28, andsend the data message to the data address. For example, the data addressmay identify a data fulfillment platform 30 operated by the proprietorof the telecommunications initiated data fulfillment system 10. The datamessage typically includes the identifying information for theoriginating telecommunications device 24, such as the directory numberassigned to that device, and the multi-function code service request,which is the input sequence 22 entered into the telecommunicationsdevice to initiate the service. In a mobile web access application, thedata message may not include the customer's PIN or location data.However, these parameters may be included if financial and/orlocation-based processing is implemented. This might be the case, forexample, if the accessed Internet site is a commercial site, such as anon-line shopping venue.

In step 2, the switch 26 delivers the data message 28 to the datafulfillment platform 30. The data message is typically delivered to thedata fulfillment platform using the conventional signaling system, suchas the SS7 signaling system used for most land-line systems, or the X-25signaling system used for most mobile systems in the United States andCanada. However, another type of data system could be used, such as theInternet, an intranet, or another suitable communications medium. Forexample, the information needed to create the data message 28 may beobtained from a conventional call detail record (CDR) created by theswitch 26, as described previously.

The data fulfillment platform 30 receives the data message 28, andreadily identifies the originating telecommunications device 24 from thedirectory number assigned to that device, which is included as part ofthe data message. The data fulfillment platform 30 also identifies theadvertised code, and optionally the customer's PIN from the inputsequence, which is also part of the data message 28. From theinformation, the data fulfillment platform 30 processes themulti-function code service request to complete the transaction.

In step 3, the data fulfillment platform 30 obtains the appropriateInternet, mobile browser or WAP address from a customer data base 40,which indexes the displayed advertising code to an Internet address andan initial page location. In step 4, the data fulfillment platform 30,which in this application is operating as an Internet Service Provider,links to the Internet, mobile browser or WAP address. In step 5, thedata fulfillment platform 30 pushes the appropriate page back to theoriginating telecommunications device 24 to initiate an interactiveInternet session.

In a variation of this service, a directory number assigned to aperson's wireless telecommunications device may serve as a “star, pound”WAP or mobile browser access code. That is, the input directory numbermay implement a voice-channel telephone call to the person's wirelesstelecommunications device, whereas the input of “star, pound” mayimplement a digital WAP or mobile browser communication to the samedevice. In this manner, any type of analog or digital information may beconveyed to a telecommunications device using the same directory number.Is should be appreciated that this dual-use directory number conceptwill greatly facilitate the integration of wireless telecommunicationsand wireless data functionality, and has the potential to greatly expandmobile computing capabilities.

FIG. 3 is a functional diagram of a mobile remote control serviceimplemented by a telecommunications initiated data fulfillment system.This system is virtually the same as the mobile vending system describedwith reference to FIG. 1, except that the customer's equipment may beremotely controlled with the system. For example, this system may beused to open car or garage doors, activate or deactivate securitysystems, program devices, and so forth. For example, this type of systemcould be used to remotely disable a stolen automobile, activate an alarmin the automobile, or to deter theft and aid in the apprehension of thethief. Alternatively, this type of system could be used to remotelyactivate a GPS tracking system and/or alarm system to help track andlocate missing persons or pets. On a different note, the system could beused to remotely disable telephones and televisions in a teenager's roomat a specified hour, disable vehicles or other appliances while ahomeowner is away, and so forth. Or it could be used to remotelyactivate pet or livestock feeding equipment, or turn on lawn sprinklers,or initiate data downloads, on demand or according to a set schedule.Indeed, the variety of useful applications for remotely controllingdevices using this technology is virtually limitless.

FIG. 4 is a functional diagram of a streamlined Internet access serviceimplemented by a telecommunications initiated data fulfillment system10. This system is similar to the mobile web access system describedwith reference to FIG. 2, except that the originating telecommunicationsdevice 24 includes a modem 42, which allows the device to receivecomputer data over an analog telephone connection. In addition, theswitch 26 does not terminate the incoming call to an announcement, butinstead looks up a directory number associated with the input “star,pound” string, and routes the telecommunications call using thatdirectory number in the usual way. The switch 26 also places the inputsequence (e.g., *#4 xxx yyy zzzz) in an available field in the routingmessage header, where it can be retrieved by the data fulfillmentplatform 30 when it receives the telecommunications call.

The switch 26 then routes the retrieved directory number, which isassigned to the data fulfillment platform 30. In this alternative, thedata fulfillment platform 30 operates as a conventional ISP, except thatit initiates the Internet session by linking the originatingtelecommunications device to an Internet page indicated by the inputsequence. That is, the data fulfillment platform 30 receives thetelecommunications call, maintains an open analog communication with theoriginating telecommunications device 24, and initiates an Internetsession between the originating telecommunications device and theInternet site identified by the input sequence. This is the same methodin which analog telephones are used to access the Internet, except thatthis streamlines the link to the Internet site identified by the inputsequence.

For the user of the originating telecommunications device 24, thisstreamlined Internet access service makes it easier to initiate anInternet session and link to a desired address. That is, the user simplyenters an input sequence comprising the appropriate multi-function codeservice request, and the Internet session automatically initiates with alink established to the Internet site identified by the input sequence.This system may also be modified to provide streamlined access tolocation-specific data. For example, a predefined “star, pound” code maybe used to obtain a road map, weather report, traffic report, or list ofrestaurants based on the current location of the originatingtelecommunications device 24.

FIG. 5 is an instruction set diagram illustrating an advancedintelligent network (AIN) and call detail record (CDR) alternativeimplementation methodologies for implementing a telecommunicationsinitiated data fulfillment system. This diagram illustrates the stepsthat are implemented by specific pieces of equipment to implement thetelecommunications initiated data fulfillment system 10 using currentlydeployed telecommunications infrastructure.

In instruction set 1, the AIN capability of SSP and MTSOtelecommunications devices is used to implement the telecommunicationsinitiated data fulfillment system. Specifically, an SSP or MTSO receivesthe incoming communication from the originating telecommunicationsdevice 24, and recognizes the multi-function code trigger event. The SSPor MTSO may then make an optional query to a service control point (SCP)or home location register (HLR) to determine whether the originatingtelecommunications device 24 is authorized to utilize the “star, pound”system, typically with reference to a subscriber database indexed by theoriginating directory number (i.e., the directory number assigned to theoriginating telephone device 24). If the originating telecommunicationsdevice 24 is not authorized to utilize the “star, pound” system, the SSPor MTSO terminates the call to an announcement, such as, “You will nowbe routed to a site where you can register for the star, pound service,”and then routes the call to an appropriate registration platform.

If the originating telecommunications device 24 is authorized to utilizethe “star, pound” system, the SSP or MTSO terminates the call to anannouncement, such as, “Your data request has been received and will beacted on immediately. Thank you.” The SCP or HLR then looks up a dataaddress for the data fulfillment platform, assembles the appropriatedata message, and transmits the data message to the data fulfillmentplatform over the SS7 or X-25 signaling system.

Instruction set 2 is similar to instruction set 1, except that aproprietary device reads information from CDRs or in-process CDRs tocreate the data message. That is, the processing performed by the SCP orHLR in instruction set is shifted to a proprietary device. Specifically,an SSP or MTSO receives the incoming communication from the originatingtelecommunications device 24, and recognizes the multi-function codetrigger event. The SSP or MTSO may then make an optional query to aservice control point (SCP) or home location register (HLR) to determinewhether the originating telecommunications device 24 is authorized toutilize the “star, pound” system, typically with reference to asubscriber database indexed by the originating directory number (i.e.,the directory number assigned to the originating telecommunicationsdevice 24). If the originating telecommunications device 24 is notauthorized to utilize the “star, pound” system, the SSP or MTSOterminates the call to an announcement, such as, “You will now be routedto a site where you can register for the star, pound service,” and thenroutes the call to an appropriate registration platform.

If the originating telecommunications device 24 is authorized to utilizethe “star, pound” system, the SSP or MTSO terminates the call to anannouncement, such as, “Your data request has been received and will beacted on immediately. Thank you.” The SSP or MTSO then discontinues thecommunication in the usual way, which triggers the creation of a CDRrecord. The proprietary device, referred to in FIG. 5 as the “*# AINprocessor” extracts information from the CDR or an in-process CDR at theswitch or at a mediation device. The proprietary device then looks up adata address for the data fulfillment platform, assembles theappropriate data message, and transmits the data message to the datafulfillment platform over the SS7 or X-25 signaling system.

FIG. 6 is a functional diagram of a telecommunications initiated datafulfillment system illustrating features of a data fulfillment database.In particular, the telecommunications initiated data fulfillment systemshown in FIG. 6 illustrates a *# ISP and data fulfillment center 30 thatincludes a fulfillment database 60, a client database 62, and Internetinterconnection facilities with a plurality of customer web sites 64. Inthis embodiment, the ISP and data fulfillment center 30 includes all ofthe intelligence required to implement the telecommunications initiateddata fulfillment system, except *# trigger and messaging capabilityimplemented, which is implemented at the SSP and MTSO devices thatinitially receive the multi-function code service requests. In addition,this SSP or MTSO based functionality may be unnecessary if another typeof messaging system is used to deliver the multi-function code servicerequests from the originating telecommunications device 24 to the ISPand data fulfillment center 30, such as a wireless data network, e-mail,intranet, or any other suitable type of messaging system. The onlyrequirement for implementing the telecommunications initiated datafulfillment system is that the message that reaches the data fulfillmentcenter 30 include two pieces of information, the input sequence (i.e.,multi-function code service request initiated by the originatingtelecommunications device 24) and identification information for theoriginating telecommunications device 24, such as the directory numberassigned to the device.

FIG. 7 is a functional diagram of a telecommunications initiated datafulfillment system illustrating features implemented by an SCP or HLS.In this alternative, a large portion of the intelligence necessary toimplement the telecommunications initiated data fulfillment systemillustrating features of a data fulfillment database is implemented bythe SSP and MTO devices through a switch-based translation table 72 andSCP (e.g., for SSP land-line systems) or HLR (e.g., for MTSO wirelesssystems). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the location ofthe intelligence is a design choice for the telecommunications initiateddata fulfillment system, and will in most applications be driven by thetype of entity that is implementing the system. In particular, regionaltelephone operating companies will most likely prefer the deploymentshown in FIG. 7, whereas independent service providers will most likelyprefer the deployment shown in FIG. 6.

In another application, the system described herein may be used toimplement an abbreviated dialing system. For example, using a doublefunction dialing prefix with a single or multi-digit identifier codethat enables individual coding which can be used in both wireless, data,and PSTN networks to create a super ID that is tagged to an individualand super-imposes over all device IDs the individual may possess, but isshort enough to memorize for the general population (less than 10 digitsbeyond dialed prefix). This is unique in that it can represent bothmessaging and real-time communications contacts so that voice, data,video, text, and other forms of communications can reach an individualrepresented by this ID, not just wireless and PSTN calls or voicemessages. Additionally, this number can be entered into a myriad ofdevices such as a wireless phone, PDA, PSTN phone, 2-way pager, web orIP-enabled device, or video-phone.

In another application, the system described herein may be used toimplement a personal directory number system in which a singlemulti-function code directory number may link to multiple devices ordevice addresses used by the customer assigned that particular personaldirectory number. For example, entry of the designated multi-functioncode plus the customer's personal directory number (i.e., Individual ID)from an originating telecommunication device triggers the launch of thecustomer's personal contact web page (i.e., individual homepage) andautomatic link or push of that page back to the originatingtelecommunication device. This personal contact web page, which iscustomizable by the customer, includes the data addresses for multiplecommunications devices, prioritized contact addresses, time-of-day basedcontact instructions, and so forth, for communicating with the customer.In addition, the identity of the originating telecommunication devicemay be used as a prioritizing or indexing parameter by the customer'spersonal contact web page. For example, the page may display thespecific addresses, trigger a conference call, trigger an e-mail instantmessaging session, or accept a voice or data message mail, a document, apicture, a music file, or any other suitable type of electronicinformation.

In particular, a user may enter someone else's Individual ID via manual,directory, or voice, into their cell phone and have that person'sindividual homepage be delivered via but, not limited to email, web,XML, or WAP. The individual's homepage can contain any information theindividual wanted to present, but will also contain a “communicationscockpit” which will enable the user to contact the individual throughboth voice and data means and through any device the individual hastagged under his/her universal ID communications umbrella which mayinclude printers, vehicle communication, or home communication devices.These device IDs can be hidden from the user thereby eliminating need tolist multiple contact numbers or addresses and protects anonymity.

The individual will also have the capability of determining rules forprioritizing, filtering, screening, and routing real-time communicationsand messaging via, but not limited to voice, email, fax, instantmessaging, data, WAP, XML, HTML, and file transfer. This is unique inthat universal messaging and single number services exist, but are notcombined to provide a complete communications and messaging solution forindividuals.

The system described herein combines the capabilities of both one numberservices and integrated messaging, and covers both voice and datacommunications, enables rules to be built governing when, where, how,and who can communicate with the individual using a myriad of differentcommunications and messaging capabilities while being able to prioritizeand select the best method available with the technology to reach toindividual from any device that is connected to a wireless, wired voice,data, or IP network.

For example, an individual is sitting at a ball game at six o'clock inthe afternoon on a Wednesday. A user decides to contact an individualfor the first time by entering the Universal ID for the individual. Thedata fulfillment platform enables a WAP screen pop of the customer'shomepage on the user's originating telecommunications device, in thisexample a WAP enabled wireless device. This WAP screen offers the userthe ability to communicate with the individual in a myriad of waysthrough wireless interaction with the customer's homepage, such as: tagdelivery as urgent, normal, or later delivery; real-time via voice,video, or instant messaging; messaging via voice, email, fax, video, ortext. In addition, the customer will have the capability of settingrules within his or her homepage to implement the following: time basedfiltering and screening; priority filtering and screening; automaticnumber identification (ANI) based filtering and prioritizing;recognition of universal ID of individual contacting filtering andscreening; real-time filtering and screening; dynamic routing ofcontact; translation text to speech, speech to text, and video to voice;prioritization of reception device based upon all above. For example,one possible prioritization scheme might be: after 6 PM all contacts aremessaging to 2-way pager, but if “wife” (Universal ID *#1234567891) orrecognized universal IDs marked “urgent” contacts, send to cell phone,if that does not answer send to home phone, if no answer, send to 2-waypager. Of course, a virtually unlimited number of different customerdefinable prioritization and screening schemes may be implemented usingthe systems and methods described herein.

In another application, the system described herein may be used toimplement a geographic positioning and mapping system using wirelessnetworks, wireless cell towers, and other GPS-like mapping systems todetermine location of objects. In particular, the emergency “911” lawsare forcing carriers to map the location of users for emergency servicesusing GPS and speed/distance from cell tower location based mappingsystems, but this only locates users and does not map objects. Bylabeling objects with a specific code and using a multi-function codeprefix, objects can be coded and the specific object that the userdesires can be mapped. By labeling a fixed location object, a user canthen identify their location to that object for further action. Bymapping an object to a specific location or grid, the object identifiergrid system can be much smaller that traditional grid systems such asarea or zip code. By localizing object mapping and using the wirelessinfrastructure, the grid system can shorten the object identifier toless than 5 digits, but remain universal throughout the planet.

In another application, the system described herein may be used toimplement user-determined soft switching using a wireless network,separating routing over network based on the presence or absence of amulti-function code dialing prefix. For example, by entering amulti-function code dialed prefix or key word via manual, directory, orvoice, the user can select the purpose of usage over a wirelessprovider's network; internet, communication via voice, communication viatext, or voice, video, or text messaging using the same data or voicenetwork. This is unique in that today, the methodology is to complete acall or to specifically enable a data connection via the wirelessdevice, but not to be able to allow the user to determine the format andmethod of information delivery (messaging) and real-time communication.By enabling user requested functionality, legacy switches can routespecial function “information actions” through a data network to aplatform to fulfill the user requested function while maintaining theexisting wireless network for voice traffic.

It should be understood that the foregoing relates only to the exemplaryembodiments of the present invention, and that numerous changes may bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the following claims.

1-51. (canceled)
 52. A method for implementing a telecommunicationsinitiated data fulfillment service comprising the steps of: providing anitem code for inclusion in an advertisement for a product or serviceoffered for sale; receiving a communication on a first communicationchannel from a telecommunications device comprising a multi-functiontrigger and the item code; at a telecommunications switch, receiving thecommunication, looking up a data address associated with a datafulfillment platform, assembling a data message comprising the item codeand identification information associated with the telecommunicationsdevice, transmitting the data message to the data address, anddiscontinuing the communication with the telecommunications device tofree the first communication channel; and at the data fulfillmentplatform, receiving the data message, looking up a promotional responsemessage associated with the item code, and delivering the promotionalresponse message to the telecommunications device on a secondcommunication channel without occupying the first communication channel.53. The method of claim 52, wherein the step of transmitting thepromotional response message to the telecommunications device comprisesthe step of transmitting a text message to the telecommunications deviceover a wireless data network.
 54. The method of claim 52, wherein thestep of transmitting the promotional response message to thetelecommunications device comprises the step of transmitting an emailmessage to the telecommunications device.
 55. The method of claim 52,wherein the step of transmitting the promotional response message to thetelecommunications device comprises the step of pushing a browser pageto the telecommunications device to initiate an interactive Internetsession with telecommunications device.
 56. The method of claim 52,wherein the data fulfillment center performs the additional step ofvalidating that a user of the telecommunications device is a subscriberof the telecommunications initiated data fulfillment service prior todelivering the promotional response message to the telecommunicationdevice.
 58. The method of claim 52, wherein the data fulfillment centerperforms the additional steps of: determining that a user of thetelecommunications is not a subscriber of the telecommunicationsinitiated data fulfillment service; and registering the user as asubscriber of the telecommunications initiated data fulfillment serviceprior to delivering the promotional response message to thetelecommunication device.
 59. The method of claims 56, wherein the stepof registering the user of the telecommunications device as a subscriberof the telecommunications initiated data fulfillment service furthercomprises the step of conducting an interactive communication sessionwith the telecommunications device without occupying the firstcommunication channel.
 60. The method of claim 52, wherein thetelecommunications switch delivers an audio or data response to thetelecommunications device prior to discontinuing the communication tofree the first communication channel.
 61. A method for implementing atelecommunications initiated data fulfillment service comprising thesteps of: providing an item code for inclusion in an advertisement for aproduct or service offered for sale; receiving a communication on afirst communication channel from a telecommunications device comprisinga multi-function trigger and the item code; at a telecommunicationsswitch, receiving the communication, looking up a data addressassociated with a data fulfillment platform, assembling a data messagecomprising the item code and identification information associated withthe telecommunications device, transmitting the data message to the dataaddress, and discontinuing the communication with the telecommunicationsdevice to free the first communication channel; and at the datafulfillment platform, receiving the data message, looking up apromotional response message associated with the item code, looking up apre-defined response address associated with the telecommunicationsdevice, and delivering the promotional response message to the responseaddress on a second communication channel without occupying the firstcommunication channel.
 62. The method of claim 61, wherein the step oftransmitting the promotional response message to the response addresscomprises the step of transmitting a text message to the responseaddress over a wireless data network.
 63. The method of claim 61,wherein the step of transmitting the promotional response message to theresponse address comprises the step of transmitting an email message tothe response address.
 64. The method of claim 61, further comprising thestep of receiving user input to define the response address within auser-editable customer profile associated with the data fulfillmentplatform.
 65. A method for implementing a telecommunications initiatedproduct vending service comprising the steps of: providing a productcode for use with a vending machine configured to house and dispenseproducts offered for sale, the vending machine further configured todisplay the item code in association with each product offered for sale;receiving a communication on a first communication channel from atelecommunications device comprising a multi-function trigger and aselected item code associated with a selected product; at atelecommunications switch, receiving the communication, looking up adata address associated with a data fulfillment platform, assembling adata message comprising the selected item code and identificationinformation associated with the telecommunications device, transmittingthe data message to the data address, and discontinuing thecommunication with the telecommunications device to free the firstcommunication channel; and at the data fulfillment platform, receivingthe data message, transmitting a vending activation message to remotelyactivate the vending machine to dispense the selected product selecteditem without occupying the first communication channel, and charging acost associated with the selected product to an account associated withthe telecommunications device.
 66. The method of claim 65, wherein thestep of transmitting the vending activation message to the vendingmachine comprises the step of transmitting the vending activationmessage over a wireless data network.
 67. The method of claim 65,wherein the step of transmitting the vending activation message to thevending machine comprises the step of transmitting the vendingactivation message over the Internet.
 68. The method of claim 65,wherein the data fulfillment center performs the additional step ofvalidating that a user of the telecommunications device is a subscriberof the telecommunications initiated product vending service prior todelivering the vending activation message to the vending machine. 69.The method of claims 65, wherein the data fulfillment center performsthe additional steps of: determining that a user of thetelecommunications is not a subscriber of the telecommunicationsinitiated product vending service; and registering the user as asubscriber of the telecommunications initiated product vending serviceprior to delivering the vending activation message to the vendingmachine.
 70. The method of claims 69, wherein the step of registeringthe user of the telecommunications device as a subscriber of thetelecommunications initiated product vending service further comprisesthe step of conducting an interactive communication session with thetelecommunications device without occupying the first communicationchannel.
 71. The method of claim 65, wherein the telecommunicationsswitch delivers an audio or data response to the telecommunicationsdevice prior to discontinuing the communication to free the firstcommunication channel.